Trim actuator for use with an exit device

Details Trim actuator for use with an exit device Trim actuator for use with an exit device

1999-10-15

2001-12-11

Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)

Closure fasteners

Operators with knobs or handles

C292S172000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06328357

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to trim actuators for exit devices and more particularly to a trim actuator with means for changing the handing of the exit device trim.
Frequently, exit devices are provided with handle or lever actuated trim on the side of the door opposite the exit device. The lever actuated trim must accommodate the handing of the door. Either the trim must be manufactured in both right hand and left hand configurations, or the trim must be capable of having its handing changed in the field. To change the hanging of some current trims, the installer must disassemble the trim, change the handing and parts and reassemble the trim before continuing the exit device installation. This can become costly due to the increased labor time to change the handing of the trim.
The foregoing illustrates limitations known to exist in present trim actuators. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advantageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished by providing a trim actuator for use with an exit device, the trim actuator comprising: a linearly moveable retractor, the retractor having two sets of gear teeth thereon; and a linearly and rotatably moveable actuator shaft having an actuator gear at one end thereof, the actuator gear engaging one set of the retractor gear teeth, the actuator shaft and actuator gear being moveable from a first engagement position wherein the actuator gear engages the first set of retractor gear teeth to a second engagement position wherein the actuator gear engages the second set of retractor gear teeth.
The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.


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patent: 6058746 (2000-05-01), Mirshafiee et al.
patent: 6062612 (2000-05-01), Lin
patent: 6095573 (2000-08-01), Rozema
patent: 6116662 (2000-09-01), Johnson
patent: 6209931 (2001-04-01), Von Stoutenborough et al.
patent: 6216500 (2001-04-01), Kang

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